Patient knowledge and participation in preventing surgical site infections: an integrative review

Abstract

Awareness of health workers regarding the role of patients in decisions about surgical site infections (SSIs) is still lacking.Therefore, this study aimed to provide insight into patient knowledge and participation, and the role of health workers in involving patients in SSI prevention.Six online databases were searched for relevant studies, and this search identified ten articles.Findings highlight the importance of patient knowledge, awareness and active participation, as well as the critical role of healthcare workers in engaging and empowering patients to prevent SSIs.Therefore, adequate patient knowledge can increase patient participation in infection prevention, by educating them about the disease process and empowering them to monitor surgical wounds, use antibiotics, and make decisions related to preventing SSIs.

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